Autobots, ROLL OUT! Transformers One is one of the best origin movies for one of the greatest franchises ever. The star-studded cast—including Chris Hemsworth, Bryan Tyree Henry, Scarlett Johansson, Keegan-Michael Key, Laurence Fishburne, Jon Hamm, and Steve Buscemi—all killed it in their respective roles, with Bryan Tyree Henry standing out as the complete scene-stealer in his portrayal of Megatron. The animation in this film was exceptional—uniquely different and sharp, allowing every detail to be seen perfectly. The music hit at just the right moments, especially during the action scenes. Questions I had about the feud between Optimus Prime and Megatron were answered not only in the most dramatic way possible, but also in the most breathtaking way.
Transformers One is a lot of fun and has far more emotional moments than I expected. The 3D-like animation is incredibly sharp, and the action scenes are filled with stunning choreography. This isn’t just a kids’ movie; it’s a film made for all Transformers fans who have been wondering, “How did Optimus Prime and Megatron become enemies?” That question is answered in one of the most visually gorgeous animated films I’ve ever seen, presented in the most creative way possible. The movie is packed with heart, a great story, and plenty of action that deserves to be experienced in 3D.
As for the story itself, it can be described using words like trust, loyalty, betrayal, and friendship. These themes play an important role throughout the film. Optimus Prime and Megatron start off as ordinary workers with dreams of becoming something greater, despite not yet having the ability to transform. Their journey to prove themselves is filled with exciting moments, where they succeed in surprising ways, only to face setbacks and meet new friends along the way. The story takes them back home to seek revenge on an ally who wronged them, making for a powerful and engaging narrative.
What truly sets Transformers One apart is the fact that it’s a film without human characters, making it a pure Transformers movie. The decision to tell this story through animation was brilliant, as it allowed the filmmakers to fully embrace the world of Cybertron without the limitations of live action. It’s a movie that fans have been waiting for, and the result is a richly detailed, action-packed adventure that finally gives the Transformers the spotlight they deserve.
Overall, this was Transformers at its best. The story, the action, the animation, and the characters were all done to perfection. It has the humor, the emotion, and it definitely tells the story of what led to the feud between Optimus Prime and Megatron. Keegan-Michael Key’s Bumblebee brought the usual comedy you’d expect from the actor and was a great fit for the character. Even though Chris Hemsworth’s Optimus Prime was supposed to be the main focus, my personal standout was Bryan Tyree Henry’s Megatron. His thirst for revenge was unparalleled, especially after learning what had happened to them in their past. He didn’t let anyone—not even his friends—stand in his way until he achieved his goal of destroying Jon Hamm’s Sentinel Prime, which created major rifts within the group.
This movie will be loved by audiences of all ages and should be considered one of the best of 2024. I loved every second of it, and it’s definitely a film I’ll be rewatching once it hits theaters on September 20th.